Thursday, January 20, 2011

I'm still here! I'm just being pulled in differen't directions right now. My family comes first, so that's what I've been doing lately. I have been diving into other mediums for my art lately. I have decided to take a hand at sculpting human figures. I really enjoy the creative process and sculpting is very relaxing to me. Unlike sugar paste, polymer clay only hardens when I bake it; so I can get up and tend to the family and come back to it without any drying. I really like that aspect! So I have been playing around with my clay and hope to have something pretty soon. I did do a Ninja Turtle and Harry Potter cake for this Friday. I will post pics when I get them.`

Sunday, December 5, 2010

This is the finished cake with the topper from the tutorial:) It's done all in buttercream with the gumpaste/fondant accents. The top is a 6" double on a 10" double giving it a tall tiered look. This paticular cake will feed 35-40 people.Here is a better photo of the topper. You can see that I added the rainbow Disco dust everywhere, giving it that sparkle. Oh, I mean fairy dust:)Any questions,things you would like to see here, or just say hi!; just email me:) Have a great week!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I am now offering molded chocolates! You can use these for cake and cupcake toppers, as well as party favors. I can make lollipops or pencil pops for parties or teacher's gifts. I will be showing the gifts I will be making for my kid's teachers plus my daughter's upcoming fundraiser. I will need a two week notice in case I need to order the molds. Who doesn't love chocolate!!!

Monday, November 29, 2010

I worked on a flower topper this weekend. It measures a little over 5" wide, but I'm not sure how tall. If it helps, the white circle it is sitting on is a 6" round cake board. Things tend to start out small and get bigger as I go:) The theme is Tinkerbell. Gotta love those fairies! I love the movies and couldn't for the longest time, understand why. It's the colors! They have the most vibrant colors and I love all the flowers and butterflies. Funny my boys weren't all that impressed..Oh well on to work.The first step was to make petals. I made these using the Wilton flower veining disk, I guess that's what you would call it:) I rolled out a small amount with my roller, cut a 2.5" circle then placed it on my disk. Using my most valuable tool I own, my fingers, I gently pressed and pushed outwards. This forms a very nice petal.After this process, I gently laid it across petal drying formers, curling the edges for a more realistic look. I let these dry overnight and then added them to my base.My base consists of a small wooden dowel to place into the cake and then green leaves peeking from beneath.You ask, where's the stick at? I use an upside down flower pot for my work surface:) On this base, I began adding the dried petals, each one securing it with "sugar glue" or meringue powder mixed with water. I tried to keep in mind the way a flower unfolds to make it the most realistic I could. I then add a small amount of the pink to secure my center too. Notice how I have some tissue paper underneath some of the petals. This is because I added them later and I wanted them to dry standing up.I had to modify this plastic Tinkerbell cupcake topper to adhere to my gumpaste flower. Plastic will not stick to the gumpaste alone. I had to cover it, plus I didn't like the plastic little flower she was sitting on:)Here is the before and after of the modification. I also added some glitter to her wings for some extra sparkle.I applied sugar glue to the surface I was adhering to. You must always use glue to stick two gumpaste surfaces together. Lesson Learned:)Firmly pressing the center down, I wiggle and push, till I get a firm placement.I let this dry overnight again and will come back and add edible glitter to the petals. I just heard the UPS guy knock on my door with the glitter! I love those guys, it's like Christmas when they come:)Oh and I will also add some orange and brown dust to the center for a more realistic look.I hope you go away with something from this little tutorial. If anything, to remember to put lotion on your hands before taking up close pictures of them:)Have a great week!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

This photo came out a little dark:( These were some quick little turkeys I made for some Thanksgiving cakes. He measured about 4" tall and is all gumpaste. I have started using styrafoam on my bigger items. I think this is better than the Rice Krispie Treats and alot lighter weight. I will be working on a Tinkerbell cake next weeks as well as another orange monkey. This time he is holding balloons. Should be fun! So check back.

Well, it's been a busy week in sugar land and I'm tired. Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

This is a ladybug cake I did last week. The large bug measures 6" around! I covered a styrafoam ball w/gumpaste then added the head the next day. Super Easy! I will do all my large props and figures this way from now on. The black number one is 50/50 gumpaste and fondant on a large skewer to hold the weight. There are five bees on wires floating on top. The daisies are gumpaste and royal icing. Melynda did a wonderful job matching the green and I loved the daisy petals peeking from underneath.

My Gumpaste Recipe

Mix powdered sugar and gum-tex together. Make a well in the mixture and pour in the liquid ingredients. I use a stand up mixer with the dough hook attached. Mix until dough will stretch and "pop" back. If it's too sticky, add more sugar. Form into a brick and coat with shortening. Cover tightly with Saran Wrap and place into air tight container. Wait 24 hrs before using.